Psalms 35:11
False witnesses did rise up; they laid to my charge things that I knew not.
Original Language Analysis
יְ֭קוּמוּן
did rise up
H6965
יְ֭קוּמוּן
did rise up
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
1 of 7
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
עֵדֵ֣י
witnesses
H5707
עֵדֵ֣י
witnesses
Strong's:
H5707
Word #:
2 of 7
concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e., prince
חָמָ֑ס
False
H2555
חָמָ֑ס
False
Strong's:
H2555
Word #:
3 of 7
violence; by implication, wrong; by metonymy unjust gain
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
4 of 7
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 7
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Historical Context
Ancient Israelite courts required testimony of two or three witnesses. False testimony could result in execution, yet David faced such accusations without legal recourse, only divine vindication.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you respond when falsely accused or misrepresented?
- What comfort comes from knowing God knows the full truth about you?
Analysis & Commentary
False witness violated the ninth commandment and carried severe penalties under Mosaic law (Deuteronomy 19:16-19). The Hebrew 'chamas' (violence, wrong) witnesses rose 'did stand up' in formal legal accusation. This previews Christ's trial where false witnesses testified against Him (Matthew 26:60). The phrase 'things that I knew not' indicates baseless charges, highlighting the psalmist's innocence and trust in God as the ultimate judge who knows all truth.